Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
UNHAPPY PACKER CAMPERS
SEEMS LIKE SEVERAL WANT THEIRS IN GREEN BAY
I can't remember the last time Aaron Kampman turned down an interview request. Honest, trustworthy, and thoughtful all describe the man.
And that's why his silence speaks volumes. I always think it's dangerous to put words in someone's mouth, but if the Packers former defensive end and soon-to-be outside linebacker wanted to, he could end all this by simply using the age old quotes of Crash Davis in Bull Durham:
"I'm here for the team."
"I'll give it my all to learn the new system."
"I'll be ready for the first game."
Instead, the stand up defender is fueling speculation by staying silent about becoming a standup defender in the new 3-4 defense, if you know what I mean. And Mike McCarthy all but backed up Kampman's concerns by saying "there is always a hesitancy when you are asked to do something different. Aaron was very comfortable in the old scheme."
Respected Journal Sentinel reporter Greg Bedard noted that Kampman looked stiff dropping into coverage. Granted it's early, but he hasn't played linebacker since college.
Then there's Donald Driver. A source confirmed what the Wisconsin State Journal first reported...that the WR wants to renegotiate his contract. Wow. Didn't they just do that in 2006? And 2007? And Driver has asked to do it again? Must be looking in the rear view mirror at the Brinks truck getting ready to unload at Greg Jennings doorstep. I'm told talks have been basic, with nothing imminent...but I'm thinking something will get done before the 2009 cap year is over.
And then there's Nick Collins, missing camp because of the death of his father due to cancer. But the safety is also unhappy about a $2.5 million raise, making around $3.5 milllion this year? Last I checked, he missed the most tackles on the team...by a wide margin.
Granted, all of this doesn't add up to the Brett Favre drama...or the year that Drew Rosenhaus and Javon Walker turned things into a 3-ring circus...or when Mike McKenzie essentially told Mike Sherman to take a hike. But it could be an interesting summer filled with heat in Green Bay.
Like the Wizard of Oz ...don't look behind the curtain, you might expose what's really going on Inside 1265.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.